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On September 29, 2003, the Rolling Knolls Landfill site, located in Chatham, New Jersey, was added to the Superfund National Priorities List. The nearly 200-acre Superfund site was used as an unlined landfill for just over 30 years. The site borders the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge and residential properties. The landfill, which closed in 1968, received solid waste from various parties, including construction and demolition debris, normal household refuse and scrap metal.

Surface soil and surface water sample analysis indicated the presence of metals, PCBs, pesticides and volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds, which are potentially harmful contaminants that can easily evaporate into the air.

In 2005, EPA entered into a legal settlement under which potentially responsible parties (PRPs) agreed to conduct and pay for a thorough, all-encompassing investigation of site and off-site soil, groundwater and sediments. This investigation will determine the nature and extent of the contamination at Rolling Knolls. After completion of the investigation, the agreement also includes the performance of a study that determines and evaluates alternatives to address contamination found at the site. To date, EPA continues to search for additional PRPs.

In 2007, the PRPs’ work plan for the site-wide investigation was approved by EPA. The PRPs have since been implementing the work plan with EPA oversight. The site investigation field activities are expected to last into 2009.